By Mark Vester
Over the years, there have been a number of times that Roy Jones, Jr. and Bernard Hopkins have tried to come together to stage a rematch of their 1993 bout. The fight always fell apart for the same reason, the split of the money.
In the last few years, the two fighters have reversed their roles in the sport. For a majority of the time since Hopkins and Jones first met, Jones was on top of the world as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the sport. After losing three of his last four bouts, two by knockout, Jones is viewed by many as a fighter that needs to hang up the gloves. On the other hand, Hopkins has raised his stature in the last few years and despite losing two close decisions to Jermain Taylor, he is still regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport.
When Jones was on top, he wanted a 60-40 purse split in his favor, while Hopkins wanted a 50-50 split. Now Hopkins is on top and insists that he will not make the fight unless there is a 60-40 split in his favor. Most observers see no point in Hopkins avenging the decision loss because he dominated Jones conqueror Antonio Tarver last June. Others do not agree with the fight being showcased on pay-per-view because Jones is no longer in his prime and there are better fighters for Hopkins to face, like super middleweight king Joe Calzaghe.
Jones says that a fight with Hopkins is still a huge event because he is one of the best fighters in the world, when he is motivated. He feels that he is still the same pound-for-pound fighter that people remember.
"I would be real motivated for Hopkins, and when I'm motivated I'm the best best pound-for-pound fighter in the world," Jones said to BoxingScene.com. "I know what people think, but I'm still the same Roy Jones."
If the fight actually comes together, and nobody is holding their breath, it would fall on July 21 on HBO pay-per-view.